The tribe owns a one-acre site in Nokomis, Florida, less than 20 miles from tribal headquarters in Atmore, Alabama. The land was placed in trust in 1984 so it presumably qualifies under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The tribe is limited to Class II gaming in Alabama, where a $246 million casino and hotel recently opened in Wetumkpa. The same restriction doesn't apply to Florida, where Class III games like slot machines and banked card games are legal.

“The Poarch Band of Creek Indians are a federally recognized tribe with land in trust in Florida and as such we look forward to discussing our options with the state," Jay Dorris, the president/CEO of PCI Gaming Authority, told The Atmore Advance.

The tribe hasn't received a response to its request for Class III gaming compact negotiations with Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R).